TheTerritory Labor Government is putting victims first by ensuring they have astronger voice in the Northern Territorys judicial system, with a strengthenedCharter of Victims Rights.
TheCharter clearly directs that every reasonable resource will be used to supportthe safety and welfare of victims, their families and their property.
Keyimprovements made to the strengthened Charter include:
- Morefocus on the particular needs of victims, to better engage with them;
- Aspecial provision for victims to have their rights explained to them in amanner and language they understand;
- Rightsto be told about the release and escape from custody of the accused, includingbefore trial and when the accused return to custody;
- Rightsof a victim to be told of their entitlement to attend any hearing or trial;
- Moredetail about the types of information and services that can be provided toindividuals listed on the Victims Register;
- Clearprovision about the availability of financial assistance for victims of violentcrimes, with claims determined in a timely manner; and
- Anupdated appendix with contacts and information about what can be done in theevent of a breach of the Charter.
Thedraft Charter of Victims Right was released for public consultation fromOctober to December 2018 and established principles that victims are requiredto be treated fairly and as a priority in the justice system and help themimprove their ability to enforce their rights.
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